Miss Connecticut USA Farewell Address

In the blink of an eye my world had changed, I was an average college
student, a political science major who never dreamed that something so
surreal could ever happen to her. I took a chance, and my belief paid
off. Tonight a group of gorgeous young women stands before me, you
are all role models in your own right. As cliche as it may sound, you
are all winners. Remain the person who you want to be, never settle,
and never succumb to a false standard of beauty. Live up to your
expectations for yourself and live a moral existence.

Always be yourself, unique qualities are what make you stand out in
life. Your quirks, your flaws, your differences, a natural young
women is by far more spectacular than a plastic puzzle constructed in
a doctors office.

These past eleven months have taught me a great deal about life. Hard
work and persistence does pay off, even in something that may seem so
effortless, and what may be the typical perception of a task is not
always what it seems. From the time the crown was placed upon my head
last November until this day in October my parents have been
everything and more for me. My mother had taken on a new role; a
stylist, a booker, and agent, a manager, a chauffeur, and a
photographer, much more than I ever would have asked of her. Yet both
of my parents are the only two people who deserve my thanks throughout
my reign. My appreciation and love for them surmounts all.

To be Miss Connecticut USA has been the greatest honor; Thank you, God
bless, and farewell.